White letters
On the hill.
Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK — CC BY 2.0 · gangxtamops — Public domain · Mojnsen — CC BY 4.0 · Benoît Prieur — CC0 · Downtowngal — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Davide D'Amico from London, United Kingdom — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Alen Ištoković — CC BY 3.0
The most famous sign in the world looks down on Hollywood from Mount Lee in the Santa Monica Mountains. It has become a symbol of the American film industry, appearing in the opening shots of films and series set in Los Angeles. It was first put up in 1923 as a temporary advertisement for a housing development called «Hollywoodland», in white letters 15 metres tall, and stayed because of its fame. The last four letters came down in 1949, and the whole sign was replaced in 1978 with a durable steel structure with letters 13.7 metres tall. The sign itself is fenced off and you cannot go near it, but viewing it is free from many spots: the terraces of Griffith Observatory, Lake Hollywood Park at the foot of the hill, Beachwood Canyon and hiking trails in Griffith Park. Viewing is free, and early morning or late afternoon, when the light falls on the letters, is best. Respect the no-parking and no-access signs in the residential streets around the hill, and carry water if you hike.
On the hill.
Best view.
At the foot.
Mount Lee, Santa Monica Mountains, above Hollywood
No, it is fenced off, but it can be seen for free from Griffith Observatory and Lake Hollywood Park.